Highlights
- We have always felt gratitude towards the U.S.: Zelensky
- Ready for a ceasefire if security guarantees are provided: Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. was highly controversial. A verbal exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Oval Office has been the subject of global discussions. Following this, there was a sense of division in the collective West. While the U.S. is pushing for Ukraine to reach a ceasefire with Russia, European countries have rallied behind Zelensky.
Trump accused Zelensky of insulting the U.S. and stated that by not ending the war, he was inviting World War III. However, a few days after the meeting with Trump, Zelensky softened his tone towards the U.S.
Zelensky Expresses Gratitude Towards the U.S.
After attending a significant summit on the Russia-Ukraine war in London, Zelensky said, “There hasn’t been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude towards America.” Posting a video on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Europe stands with us in this war. Everyone is united on the issue of war. What we need for peace is real security guarantees. Of course, we understand the importance of the U.S. and we are grateful for all the support we have received. There hasn’t been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude. We need peace, not war.”
Zelensky further stated that if security guarantees are provided and Ukraine receives NATO membership, he is willing to step down from the presidency. He also made it clear that Ukraine will not give up any of its territory in a peace agreement with Russia.
Ukraine Ready for a Mineral Deal with the U.S.
Moreover, Ukraine is prepared to enter into a mineral deal with the U.S. Zelensky said, “We are ready to sign a mineral deal, and this will be the first step towards security guarantees. However, this is not enough, and we need much more.”
It should be noted that in exchange for the U.S. aid to Ukraine, Trump had demanded a mineral deal. Ukraine is rich in lithium and rare minerals, which are of significant importance to the U.S.
Zelensky Will Not Give Up an Inch of Territory to Russia
Regarding the incident in the Oval Office, Zelensky stated that he did not want to discuss it, but emphasized that he seeks a strong ceasefire. However, he made it clear that he will not give up an inch of Ukrainian land to Russia. He further stated that he is willing to resign from the presidency, but only if Russia assures that it will not attack Ukraine again.
